In Her Sleep

I Love You Too

Her mother's life story is such a tragedy that Layla is beginning to think she got the better end of the life deal. At least she didn't have a father who refused to be there when she needed him the most. Hers had simply disappeared before there was ever an emotional bond between them that would have made his absence painful.

Sighing, Layla puts the comb down, having run it through her hair too many times already. She has realized one thing. As much as her life sucked growing up alone, with the type of family hers turned out to be, it was probably better that way. But will she still stay away even after knowing that she was wrong about not being wanted?

Her aunt wanted and still wants her to be a part of the family. And Layla admits that she is drawn to the woman. Not only because she looks like her mother, but there is a gentleness in her that Layla has come to love.

"Not today." She figures that decision can wait. Right now she just wants to enjoy being back with Caleb. Hopefully being out here will be a good enough distraction for the things she wishes to forget.

A knock on the door has Layla scrunching up her nose, wondering why Caleb would be knocking instead of walking right in. "Uh...it's open?" Layla answers, but nothing.

Another knock and she springs up from the stool. Finally done putting herself together, she straightens her dress before taking one last look in the mirror. A beautiful looking version of herself stares right back at her. The evidence of all her crying is almost gone, thankfully. Her heart however is still sore, but knowing there is nothing she can do about the stuff making it sore, she tries to bury it. For Caleb's sake too.

God knows this is not the picture their reunion should have taken, but thanks to her messed up past and all her crying, it couldn't be helped.

"Maybe it's time to change that."

A blush creeps up on her face after remembering the heated look that met her when she turned back to thank him for saving her. She had just pulled off keeping it together when she unintentionally paraded her half naked self in front of him, but that look disarmed her in a way that left her requiring to lean on the bathroom wall.

Taking in a much needed breath to calm herself, Layla heads for the door. She's not sure she's ready to face Caleb yet, but here goes nothing. With a soft turn of the handle, the door opens wide.

A white paper rose and a breathtaking smile greet her, melting all her insides.

"Hi." Caleb's eyes flicker to her look and the heat in there lets her know she nailed her choice.

It being a bright sunny day and knowing how much he appreciated her floral look the last time, she went for bright and beautiful with the right amount of allure.

"Hi." She breaks out in a smile of her own.

Caleb, as she notes, is in his jovial mood, instantly reminding her of the days back at the hospital. With what has happened, those times are like a distant memory, but thank God for her doctor, she gets a feeling that new memories are about to be made. The thought itself surprisingly leaves her feeling all giddy.

From the last time he awkwardly left the bedroom, Layla notices that he has cleaned up pretty well. So well that she feels a little hot and bothered.

"And did he have to be in all white?"

His tight fitting pants and shirt whose top buttons are undone gives off that sexy island appeal that she will gladly explore given the opportunity.

"Layla Jones!" Her face heats up at her own thoughts. So not what she intended.